Akahi News learnt that the people of Awkunanaw clan, cutting across several communities in Enugu South and Nkanu West Local Government Areas of Enugu State, have endorsed Governor Dr. Peter Mbah for a second term in office come 2027. The endorsement came with a powerful traditional symbol that carries the weight of ancestors.

The people, who trooped out en masse at the Civic Centre, Akpasha, for a mega rally in support of Mbah on Saturday, also presented him with an Ofo—the revered symbol of authority and justice. They declared that Mbah had set a record in less than three years that would be difficult for anyone to break in eight years.

When a clan presents its Ofo to a governor, it is not a mere handshake. It is a covenant. And the people of Awkunanaw have made their position unmistakably clear.

Senator Ken Nnamani: Mbah Is a Poster Boy for Good Governance

Akahi News gathered that articulating the stand of the mammoth crowd, elder statesman and former President of the Senate, Senator Ken Nnamani, noted that Mbah had become a poster boy for subnational governance in Nigeria. That is no small praise from a man who has sat in the highest legislative chambers of the land.

“We want to make it clear that the people of Awkunanaw are solidly behind Peter Mbah to complete his second term. His good works in Enugu are earning him public acclaim throughout the country,” Nnamani declared.

“The high point of our coming here today is that we want to bequeath him with an Ofo, and it is rarely given. So, nobody in Nkanu land should use Governor Mbah’s remaining four years to play with us.

“Again, if anyone feels he has an issue with him, we are going to settle it indoors as brothers. But the truth remains that we are not going to joke with his second term.

“Besides, Awkunanaw does not go to fight and come back defeated. No! We go into a just fight we will win and be proud that we fought. He has, in barely three years, done what other governors could not do in eight years. That is why we trooped out here en masse to show him explicit support. We are standing tall with him without hiding, and we are ready to defend him everywhere,” Nnamani declared.

It was alleged that the message from Awkunanaw is not just support. It is a warning. Any politician from the clan thinking of challenging Mbah in 2027 has been told, in the clearest possible terms, to perish the thought.

Former Governor Nwobodo: Ofo Cannot Be Given to Two Persons

Reinforcing Nnamani’s remarks, former governor of old Anambra State, Senator Jim Nwobodo, said, as a forthright people, the Awkunanaw clan, having presented the Ofo staff to Governor Mbah, could not renege on their support for him.

Nwobodo, who was represented by the Enugu State Commissioner for Local Government Affairs, Deacon Okey Ogbodo, declared that Mbah remained the best hand for the state come 2027.

“The point is that we have given the Ofo to him, and it is not something you give to two individuals at the same time because our ancestors are also involved, and it is tantamount to endorsing two persons for the same office. So, Mbah is our governorship candidate come 2027,” he declared.

Secretary to Enugu State Government, Prof. Chidiebere Onyia, reiterated that Mbah had set Enugu as a benchmark for good governance, commending his revolutionary strides across all sectors.

Invoking their ancestors, the traditional rulers of the entire Awkunanaw clan, in a process led by HRH Igwe Obi Igwesi, jointly presented an Ofo to Mbah, declaring that any Awkunanaw son or daughter who goes against Mbah’s reelection would be inviting the wrath of their forefathers.

Akahi News had earlier reported on the growing momentum behind Governor Mbah’s reelection bid. But the Awkunanaw endorsement carries a unique weight. It is not a paid political rally. It is a traditional declaration backed by the Ofo—a symbol that, in Igbo cosmology, is not taken lightly.

Mbah Fires Back at Opposition

Speaking at the event, Governor Mbah fired back at the opposition, saying no one could diminish or distort the achievements recorded by his administration in less than three years.

“Three years ago, there were no Smart Schools and Type-2 Hospitals in all our political wards; the International Conference Centre, Hotel Presidential, Nigergas, the Enugu United Palm Products Limited, and several other prized assets were still skeletal shells and moribund.

“Three years ago, there was no Enugu Air; no state-of-the-art transport terminals; no CNG buses; and our dear capital city was not the conferencing hub that it has become today,” he stated.

He warned the people of Awkunanaw and Nkanuland against selfish politicians sowing seeds of discord in desperate bids for power to feather their nests.

“We must come together to resist forces of falsehood and division.

“How can you claim to love Nkanu people and yet act in ways that hurt their interests? That tells you one thing: they are driven by selfish interests.

“Besides, could they have recorded even a tiny fraction of what we have achieved so far?” he queried.

It is not a child’s play to challenge an incumbent who can point to Smart Schools, Type-2 Hospitals, a revived International Conference Centre, and a functioning state airline. Mbah is not running on promises. He is running on a record. And the people of Awkunanaw have said they like what they see.

The endorsement also carries a clear message on zoning. The clan advised any son or daughter of Awkunanaw interested in the governorship seat to perish the thought until the office rotates to Enugu East Senatorial Zone again. That is a significant declaration. It means the clan is willing to wait its turn—but only if Mbah gets his second term first.

Other Awkunanaw leaders at the event included Hon. U.S.A Igwesi, Amb. Gordi Agbo, Hon. Offor Chukwuegbo, Hon. Chimaobi Atu, Hon. Iloabuchi Aniagu, Hon. Obiajulu Princess Ugwu, Chief Nwabueze Nnamani, Hon. John Egbo, Dr. Amaka Ngene, Hon. Nwabueze Ugwu, Igwe Dr. Greg Ugwu, and other traditional rulers from within and outside the Awkunanaw clan.

Also present were Prof. Oguejiofo Ujam, Hon. Ken Nyamah, Hon. Sam Ngene, Hon. Caleb Ani, Dr. Ben Nwoye, Dr. Martin Chukwunweike, Senator Kelvin Chukwu, Hon. Nnolim Nnaji, Hon. Chijioke Edeoga, Hon. Uchenna Ugwu, Barr. Victor Udeh, Hon. Eugene Odoh, Prince Lawrence Ezeh, Hon. Okechukwu Edeh, host Council Chairman Hon. John Ogbodo, and many other council chairmen.

The crowd was real. The traditional rulers were present. The Ofo was presented. Governor Mbah has received an endorsement that goes beyond politics—into the realm of covenant. For any opponent still dreaming of 2027, the message from Awkunanaw is clear: do not waste your time. The ancestors have spoken.

Key Summary Box

What happened: The people of Awkunanaw clan in Enugu South and Nkanu West LGAs endorsed Governor Peter Mbah for a second term in 2027, presenting him with an Ofo symbol of authority and justice.
Who spoke: Former Senate President Ken Nnamani declared that Mbah has done in three years what other governors could not do in eight. Former Governor Jim Nwobodo said the Ofo cannot be given to two persons—Mbah is their candidate.
The warning: Any Awkunanaw son or daughter contesting against Mbah would invite the wrath of their ancestors, according to traditional rulers led by HRH Igwe Obi Igwesi.
Mbah’s response: The governor fired back at opposition, listing achievements including Smart Schools, Type-2 Hospitals, Enugu Air, CNG buses, and revived state assets.
Zoning position: The clan advised any interested governorship aspirant from Awkunanaw to perish the thought until the office rotates back to Enugu East Senatorial Zone.
Why it matters to Enugu residents: The endorsement signals strong grassroots support for Mbah’s reelection and may discourage other aspirants from the zone.
Bottom line: The Ofo has been presented. The ancestors have been invoked. Awkunanaw clan has spoken: Peter Mbah for second term, 2027.